Noida in a call jam after sealing of mobile towers

Mobile subscribers of Noida are facing a tough time after the authorities at the satellite township initiated a move to seal signal towers that flouted installation norms.
The Noida Authority has sealed 190 towers out of the existing 576 towers for an indefinite period, claiming the formal

Mobile subscribers of Noida are facing a tough time after the authorities at the satellite township initiated a move to seal signal towers that flouted installation norms.

The Noida Authority has sealed 190 towers out of the existing 576 towers for an indefinite period, claiming the formalities for installation of these towers were not completed.

The action of the Noida Authority has left residents in a lot of trouble. Priya Sinha a resident of sector 11 said she has been trying to get in touch with her relatives but in vain.

"Sunday, being a holiday we had to plan so many things. But because of no network we are unable to do anything.

We are totally handicapped," Sinha said.

"We are worried for weekdays when we have to do our official work. If the same situation remains it would be impossible for us do our work," said Mayank Sharma, an IT executive.

The authorities have decided that they will de-seal the towers only if the service providers concerned submit an affidavit within 10 days and complete all formalities.

The Noida authority claims the cellular phone companies had been directed in 2005 to submit relevant documents regarding the installation of the towers, but the companies failed to respond.

The documents include structural stability certificate, noobjection certificate from residents' welfare associations where the towers have been set up, as well as architectural design approval from experts.

Almost all service providers including, Vodafone, Airtel, Tata Indicom and Reliance have been affected by this sealing drive initiated by the authority.

Sandeep Chandra, senior project engineer (II) of Noida Authority, said more towers, which have not followed procedure before setting up the towers in residential areas, will be sealed.

"Electricity supply to the towers has been cut off and back- up generators have also been sealed. Only 125 cellular service providers had submitted applications requesting an extension a few months ago. These would be spared for the moment," Chandra said.

With the sealing process in full swing, the ones who are most affected are subscribers of these mobile phone companies who were struggling to make calls.

"They forced us to take action. We received applications seeking permission for only 188 towers, that too without proper annexure and fee. Reminders were sent, but there was no response," Chandra added.

Noida has a population of around seven lakh out of which over four lakh are cell phone users. On the other hand the service providers are claiming that they were not given any notice beforehand.

Sunday being a holiday, there were no sealings of any of the remaining towers. A dialogue between the Noida authority and the service providers is expected on Monday.

An Airtel official said, "The talks with the authorities are going on and by Monday afternoon an amicable solution to the current issue will be arrived at."

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